IMF Chief Says Dozen Nations Seek Loans Over Energy Shock
IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva says the Middle East war could drive demand for $50 billion in aid. She urged nations to conserve fuel to manage supply shocks.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipates that at least a dozen nations will request new financial assistance programs as they struggle with the economic repercussions of the Middle East conflict. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted that surging energy prices and severe supply chain disruptions are driving this demand, with a significant number of requests expected from sub-Saharan African nations.
Georgieva indicated that the demand for support could range from $20 billion to $50 billion, involving both new loan agreements and the expansion of existing programs. Despite the regional pressure, the IMF is not currently discussing an increase to the $8 billion loan program for Egypt.
